Yep. I work in manufacturing and know the concept (JIT), but Ford has been doing things lately that don't make sense, so it was just wishful thinking on my part. ?
Doubtful. With the 2.3EB at 270/310 and the possibility of getting the 2.7EB from the Bronco (not to mention a probable hybrid in the works), there's plenty of power on tap with better mileage than a V8 can muster. (thanks, CAFE :( ) I don't see Ford offering one again, unfortunately.
The...
I hope they offer it. It doesn't even have to be the 7-speed with the crawler gear. Just a 6-speed would suffice for me. The manufacturer already has a version of it in the same/similar housing, maybe at a slightly reduced cost.
A lot of folks have said that at Ranger5g. The solution, apparently, is the Fox 2.0 shocks. Huge difference. Maybe they'll be an option, though with a change of chassis maybe the ride will just naturally be better.
I have a feeling, though, that the truck you were driving had overinflated...
While nearly everyone is drooling over the new Bronco, I'm lusting after this thing. I hope the manual from the Bronco is available, even if it's just with the 2.3EB.
Hell, Ford will probably deliver one of these before anyone gets a Bronco.
https://getrag-ford.com/files/theme/downloads/6MTI550_Storyboard_20191010_wo_contact.pdf
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/mti550-7-speed-manual-transmission-with-low-crawler-gear-revealed-in-document.1114/
It sure would be nice if that sucker would be available in our Rangers. If it'll...